Bethlehem Lutheran Church Congregational Newsletter A Look Inside

Page 2 Announcements BCS Page 3 Announcements Holy Week Christian Service Page 4 Endowment Page 5 Giving Page 6 April Calendar Page 7

Music Notes by Jeremy Our Mission To equip servants who faithfully follow Jesus Christ. (Mathew 28:19-20) Our Vision To be a faithful, active church reaching out to all with love by: - Encouraging spiritual growth; - Strengthening disciples; - Sending out servants following Jesus Christ.

April 2017

LIVING IN THE NEW LIFE BROUGHT ABOUT BY JESUS CHRIST “Since you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above…” Colossians 3:1 In my ministry I have noticed over the years that a popular Easter theme deals with the topic of life after death. While this is a subject that is of concern to many people, an even more pressing question deals with the subject of life before death. An increasing number of frustrated people seem to be saying, “Is it possible to experience the abundant life today, in this time and in this place?” We can experience a resurrection from hopelessness. Easter reminds us that in the light of God there is a hope that does not fade away. There is a wonder in the commonplace and a hope even in the worst of times. We can experience a resurrection from alienation. We are given the strength to overcome our enemies by treating them as friends. When we face problems together in love and not walk away from each other in fear, a transformation takes place. Finally, another bit of good news from Easter is that we can move from personal anxiety to confidence. When we live without purpose or direction there is anxiety and confusion. Easter brings the message that God reigns. It makes a big difference if we really believe that through all of the seasons of our lives God is at work helping us turn our tragedies into triumphs and our defeats into victories. If we really believe this we look for the openings, we look for the possibilities. We look for the potential for good in ourselves and the people around us. Life does have meaning and direction. Easter is God’s affirmation that the life Jesus lived of sacrifice and service to others is the life that reflects the true order of things. Have a blessed EASTER! pk

BETHLEHEM CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Register now – our classes are filling up! Tell family, friends, and neighbors about the variety of classes we have to offer. Classes available are Preschool (3 years old) – Pre-K (4 years old) – Kindergarten (5years old). Please call the school for more information at (360) 653-2882.

Amidst the chaos of the refugee crisis, there is something truly inspiring happening in the Middle East, a story not being told. Come hear a first-hand update of how God is moving in this region. Heather Natterstad will make a presentation on her recent trip for the humanitarian organization Witness As Ministry.

Spring has arrived and you will see colors bursting from our classrooms in various forms. We will be drawing spring pictures filled with flowers; turning colorful dyed coffee filters into butterflies and planting seeds to grow beautiful sunflowers. We can hardly wait to explore our new season to come. Come explore with us :) Jesus is Alive! This month gives us the opportunity to share, create and sing about new life and the story of Easter. He has risen!!!

Dates to remember:

Spring Break Good Friday –no school Easter Monday-no school Family Fun Night Kangaroo Farm Field Trip Puppet Show Last day of Class:

April 3-7 April 14 April 17 May 12 May 2, 5 May 24 3-day- May 23 4-day- May 23 2-day- May 26

In Christ, Bethlehem Christian School Staff: Mrs. Stephenson Mrs. Cunningham Mrs. Brunken Mrs. Hundley Mrs. Stevens Mrs. Norsworthy

Mrs. Boas Mrs. Muzzy Mrs. McNett—Office Manager Mrs. Stadum—Director Grandma Sharon

We meet on April 11th, at Noon in the Fellowship Hall. Come and enjoy good food, interesting programs, and of course great fellowship. The potluck menu is a great way to try some of the best recipes offered by our members. Bring your own plates, cups and silverware. We meet at noon the second Tuesday of each month. If you have some ideas on programs, let us know. Come out and join us and bring a friend.

For more information contact John Natterstad (360-659-8218), or Aini Messmer (360-659-2934)

Ladies, we would love for you to join us for a beautiful spring afternoon filled with fun and fellowship! We will be enjoying a delicious lunch with salads and dessert. In addition to the wonderful lunch we will be having fun decorating Mite Boxes, one for yourself and one for the church. What are Mite Boxes you might ask? Come and find out!

Please join us on Saturday April, 22nd from 11:00 am—1:00 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in the fellowship hall. Cost will be $5.00 per person.

Friday April 28, 7:00 PM 2

See you there, Joe Finke & Penny Dry

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CHRISTIAN SERVICE

EASTER PRAYER VIGIL Saturday, April 15th 6:00 PM to Easter Sunday, April 16th 7:00 AM. Easter is coming and we are preparing for this great event with our annual Easter Prayer vigil. This is an opportunity to extend your Easter experience with your prayers. We will have materials available to assist you. We will have the list of those who are on the prayer concerns. We need someone to Host each hour. The prayer time is 15 minutes. You can sign up for more than one time. A sign up poster will be in the Narthex. If you have any questions, contact: John Natterstad 360-659-8218 [email protected]

Happy Easter

Holy Week Palm Sunday Maundy Thursday Good Friday Easter Sunday

April 9—10:00 AM April 13—7:00 PM April 14—7:00 PM April 16—9:00 & 11:00 AM

Baby Care Kit Drive The Christian Service Drive for LWR Baby Care Kit continues through April. We will be assembly kits on April 4th and May 2nd from 9-12 in the Fellowship Hall. Kits will be delivered to the distribution center on May 5th and 6th. Thank you to those who have contributed items and dollars. Last year we sent 92 kits in the spring which were distributed in Georgia and Mali. Quilts were sent in January 2017 to India. “Baby Care Kits are distributed as part of emergency and relief efforts, but they are also given out as part of LWR health initiatives to encourage women to seek prenatal care. One such initiative in Mali provided training for local prenatal health care workers, who were given Baby Care Kits to distribute when they assisted with births. These kinds of programs help more babies in rural, poor areas receive a healthy start in life. We hope you will join us in this effort!” From the LWR website. If you’re interested, view a video “Following quilt and kit from assembly to distribution” at: https:// lwr.org/special-reports/elsie-stromberg

Saturday, April 15, 8:00 AM—12:00 PM BLC Fellowship Hall—Free to All

Class on Wills Please join Paul McConnell from 3rd Street Law in Marysville, Paul is scheduled to make a presentation on wills, Sunday, May 7th at 10:00 AM in the Fireside Room. This will be an opportunity for you to learn about this very important aspect of your plans. Paul will give insights into what you may want to consider. This presentation is sponsored by your Mission Endowment Committee.

How can you help? Items we need most are mild soap in original wrapping (4-5 oz.) and baby socks sizes between 6 and 24 months. You may also donate funds to help purchase needed items and help ship kits. It costs about $.75 per pound to deliver a kit overseas. If you contribute please make the checks out to BLC and note Christian Service on the memo line. There is a poster and box located in the fellowship hall for kit donations. If you have questions you may contact Kathy Rousu or Donna Johnson.

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Something to Think About and Pray About

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Sun

Mon

24 6:30 pm Cub Sco uts/ Gym 7:00 pm B oy Scouts/ Fellowship Hall A

17 4:00 pm Eagle W ings Board Meeting 6:30 pm Cub Sco uts/ Gym 6:30 pm Pr ayer Sh aw l 7:00 pm B oy Scouts/ Fellowship Hall A

10 6:30 pm Cub Sco uts/ Gym 7:00 pm B oy Scouts/ Fellowship Hall A

2 3 7:00 pm Endow m ent 8:30 am Celebr aCommittee Mtg./Fireside tion Service/ Room Sanctuary 10:00 am Chr istian Education/Gym 11:00 am Litur gical Worship/Sanctuary 9

Palm Sunday 10:00 am Worship (one service only)

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Easter Services 9:00 & 11:00 am

23 8:30 am Celebr ation Service 10:00 am Chr istian Education/Gym 11:00 am Litur gical Worship 30 10:00 am Worship Service (one only)

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Tue

Wed

Thu

5 6 6:00pm So up Sup7:15 am M en’s Bible per/Fellowship A Study/Bob’s Burger & 7:00pm Holden Pr ay- Brew er Service/Sanctuary 7:40 pm Celebr atio n band rehearsal

APRIL 2017 9:00am Christian Ser vice/fellowship A 6:30 pm Sun day School Committee Mtg./ Fellowship A 7:00 pm W or ship Com mittee mtg./Fireside RM 7:00 pm Pr oper ty & Grounds Mtg./Foyer

Fri

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Sat

1 8:00 am Spr ing Cleaning 1:00 pm B r ow n Memorial/Sanctuary/ Fellowship A 7

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Easter Breakfast

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21 5:00 pm Luncheon set-up/ Fellowship A/ Kitchen

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12 4:00 pm/Salvatio n Army Dinner 925am, 9:45am & 12:40pm School Chapels/Sanctuary 6:30 pm/Celebr ation Band Rehearsal

20 7:15am M en’s Bible Study/Bob’s Burger & Brew 9:30 am Altar Guild/Sanctuary

Maundy Thursday Good Friday 7:00 pm service

11 12:00 pm Adult Fellowship/Fellowship A 7:o0 pm Ch ur ch Council Meeting/ Fireside RM

19 9:25am, 9:45am & 12:40pm School Chapels/Sanctuary 6:30 pm/Celebr ation Band Rehearsal

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22 11:00 am B LCW Spring Luncheon/ Fellowship A

7:00 pm Service 8:00 am– 11:00 am Fellowship Hall Free to All

18 6:30 pm B LCW Women’s Meeting/ Fireside RM

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28 7:00 pm Gam e Night/Fellowship A 7:00 pm Mar th a’s Circle/Fireside RM

9:25am, 9:45am & 12:40pm School Chapels/Sanctuary 6:30 pm/Celebr ation Band Rehearsal

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Music Notes by Jeremy Neufeld I gave up “time” for Lent

When life is going fast and we are enjoying the moment, we often ask rhetorically, “Where has the time gone?” Well, Lent has almost ended and with Holy Week quickly approaching, I find myself wondering if I gave up ‘time’ for Lent. But it has been a wonderful Lenten season including our Holden Evening services every Wednesday preceded by the soup suppers, the Easter Choir Season in preparation for Easter Sunday, and a powerful sermon series by Pastor Kevin based on Christ’s experience on His journey to the cross. Our hope is that this Lent you have drawn closer to Christ through worship, sacrifice, and prayer via both corporate and individual spiritual reflection. In my last article, I explained how I am researching the history of Christian worship leading up to the 500 th anniversary of Luther’s call to reformation that will be celebrated on October 29, 2017. We began with the first Christians, those who walked with Christ or who congregated during the 1st century. Much of what comprised worship to these first Christians looked and sounded like traditional Jewish worship based on Psalms, feasts, and scripture (Jewish Bible) readings. We saw the inception of baptism and communion rites along with the reading of Epistle letters, singing of new hymns, and prayers of confession. With the Temple destroyed in A.D. 70 by Titus and the Roman legions, many Jews converted to Christianity, allowing the growth of unique and new worship practices to emerge as the converts attempted to distance themselves from their Jewish ancestry. Thus begins our second chapter of the history of Christian worship. Part II – The Underground Church (2nd Century) Following the Roman siege of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, both Jews and Christians suffered under Roman persecution. Without organization or a hierarchical structure, Christianity was forced underground where it flourished in secret meetings via word of mouth. The idea of Christian fellowship was born, along with improvised prayers, songs, and sermons. This is also where the use of the ichthys or ichthus (Koine Greek, 1st Century, meaning “fish”) symbol was first adapted for Christian iconography. While the symbol held various uses prior to Christianity, it is surmised that the early Christians chose it rather than the cross as it would not draw unwanted attention. The ichthys would appear on doorways, tombs, or other sacred places to indicate the inhabitants or owners were Christian. It is possible that it was used as code – a believer would draw one arc in the sand, and if a stranger drew the companion arc, then both parties knew they were in Christian company. Christians assigned ichthys an acrostic or backronym (backwards acronym) whereas each letter corresponded with the first letter of each word in the phrase, “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.” Two extant writings from this time give explicit instructions for early worship practices. The second part of the Didaché (c. 120-150) details the rites of baptism and communion while the Apology of Justin Martyr (c. 140) provides an outline for worship, describing a six point service to be held on Sunday (the day God created the world). The Service of the Word included: reading of Scripture, Address of the President (i.e. sermon), and Prayers of the people, followed by the Service of the Lord’s Supper: Thanksgiving and Amen, Distribution of bread and wine, and a Collection for the poor. While music is not expressly mentioned, it is understood that psalms and hymns were widely used and varied. Indeed, several apologists mention the jubilus which may have been an early sequence after the Alleluia. It is also inferred that scripture readings, prayers, responses, etc. would have been chanted or sung as was customary in the Jewish tradition. From both the Didaché and Justin’s Apology, the early church now had clear formats for worship, albeit in secret, and thus was formed the first liturgy of the Christian church, a liturgy that we still utilize today. Let us remember 7 the blessings we hold for open and free worship practices as we celebrate the risen Christ this Easter Season. He is risen!

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ethlehem Lutheran Church 7215 51st Ave. NE Marysville, WA 98270-4033

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, ELCA

Church Staff

Church Office: 360-659-2022 Fax: 360-651-2772 www.blcmarysville.com

Office Hours Monday — Thursday 9:00 AM — 3:30 PM Closed Friday Closed for lunch from 12:00—12:30

Rev. Kevin Forquer, Pasto r [email protected] Beth Hansen, Office Coordinator, [email protected] Butch Martin, Bookkeeper [email protected]

Jeremy Neufeld, Director of Music Ministries [email protected]

April 2

Celebration Liturgical

April 9

Palm Sunday Worship 10:00 AM (one service)

Bethlehem Christian School

Kelly Stadum, School Director [email protected] | (360) 653-2882 | www.blcmarysville.com Sandy McNett, Office Manager [email protected]

April 16

Education Rep.—Joe Finke Fellowship Rep.—Charisse Collins Outreach Rep.—Mary Muller Facilities Rep.—Dwayne Smith Financial Secretary—Twyla Lucas

Easter Sunday

Worship 9:00 & 11:00 AM April 23

Celebration Liturgical

April 30

Worship 10:00 AM (one service)

Church Council President—Danny Miles Vice President—Karl Kloster Secretary—Kristin Savidge Treasurer—Butch Martin Administration Rep.—Pam Foote Worship—Jason Vallem

8:30 AM 11:00 AM

8:30 AM 11:00 AM

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